At times during the service, Benedict, who is 85, supported himself on his
gold pastoral cross as he stood to listen to the Gospel of St Matthew. He
has said that it was his growing infirmity that persuaded him to become the
first

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The Pope was greeted by elated crowds for his last Ash Wednesday Mass

February 14 2013 AFP/Getty

The Pope was greeted by elated crowds for his last Ash Wednesday Mass

February 14 2013 AFP/Getty

The Pope made an emotional farewell at what was his last public Mass before his retirement